It's -6 C and sunny in New York, keeping warm and on trend? Yes and yes; amazing winter coat deals that include some of my favorite RTW designers: Acne, Stella McCartney, and Carven. I love the oversized/cozy "boyfriend" cut silhouette in lighter tones; beige tweed, taupe, ivory sheerling that these amazing designers interpreted in wearable coats!!! Both the fabric tones and silhouettes will remain strong trends into next winter.
Acne
Buy this look at :www.acneonline.com
Carven
Buy this look at: www.carven.fr
Stella McCartney
Buy this look at: www.stellaMcCartney.com
By: Emmie Twombly
“One should either be a work of art or wear a work of art” and that is exactly what Louise Gray does. Her collection is a definer of her character and spirit. Gray has become known for her maximalist fashion that is over-the-top fun and playful - just like her personality. After meeting her with her bold, cobalt blue eyeliner and minutes of conversation, I was smitten. As a minimalist fashionista myself, I was not sure how I would feel about her collection, but as a vintage lover I could see how she uniquely put together looks, fabrics, prints, detailing and accessories in a way no one would think of on their own. I’m always drawn to a woman with an individualistic taste, well-read and creative- this woman is a force to be reckoned with.
Louise Gray knew her fashion history as we bonded over Jackie Kennedy Onassis’s 1951 Vogue Essay. As an archived piece of history it took me months to get a copy on the three-part essay. I was intrigued that she had seen a copy as I received my research identification card and access due to my connection with the Vice Chair of Vital Voices Board of Directors who had been the chief of the oral history program at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library. We talked about everything from how I was introduced to the fashion world- through Diane von Furstenberg, the wrap-dress visionary who used fashion to empower by debuting Vital Voices Artisan’s jewelry during New York Fashion Week where artisans’ are now earning a living wage, providing for their community and families while preserving artistic traditions. Some of Gray’s designs also reminded me of Japanese or African style.
Gray’s combination of multiple prints, patterns and colors extraordinarily makes something wearable and most definitely Louise Gray. Prints were also graphical, floral or just stripes and the color palette included fuchsia, yellow, red, green, black, white, cobalt blue and orange. There is a prevailing spirit of historical and ethnic components. The Scottish-born designer brought a bright, bold feel to her S/S 2012 collection.
Gray also indicated that she wanted to expand her accessories collection. She certainly has help in the shoe department as she’s the wife of Christopher Suarez, partner of shoe genius, Nicholas Kirkwood. You can tell she has a knack for decorating and color. She is an original in an industry that can be filled with knock off’s. She is refreshing and as Coco Chanel, one of her favorite fashion designers has said, “In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.”
Louise Gray
Louise Gray is from Fraserburgh, Scotland. She studied at The Glasgow School of Art in textile design and Central Saint Martins, where she completed her MA. Design collaborations include Cotton USA, Judy Blame, Nicholas Kirkwood, the Smiley Company and Crown Paint. Louise is also sponsored by the Centre for Fashion Enterprise.
What are your hobbies?
Dancing.
How would you like to see your company expand?
I would like to expand in Asia, slow and steadily.
How long does it take you to create a collection?
7-8 weeks.
What have you been reading lately?
Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel. She really transformed the role of a fashion editor.
Have you ever read Jackie Kennedy Onassis’s Vogue Essay?
Actually I have. (My thoughts- “I love this girl.” Hardly anyone has read this essay let alone a British girl!)
Mark my words. She understands fashion- minimalism, maximalism and on a global playing field. She will be injecting color and originality into all of our wardrobes. Her spirit is contagious.
ALl images: Louise Gray S/S12
The moment the awesome french RTW designer Isabel Marant decided to open a New York boutique, was them moment I realized that pre-ordering looks from each collection would become manditory before they sell out. Every fashion industry editor, freelancer, blogger , trustfund fashionista, and front row celebutante pre-orders,and we can all agree on the same thought: Isabel Marant is " perfect casual meets sexy chic ". I'm addicted to her pointy toe pumps, jackets, dresses and jewelry..all of which feel are seasonless and I can throw on any time and feel comfortable in my underground sexy chic look.
As we are about to be over loaded with the 2012 Spring/Summer trend ; Floral print everything: here are some of my favorite "must haves".
469 Broome st, NY, NY 10013
1 212 219 2284 ( ask for Alicia)
Love Isabel Marant's high tops!! each season is worth buying a pair as they are collectable and covetable!!
Louis Vuitton has collaborated with Sofia Coppola in the past, this time around the Louis Vuitton Resort 2012 collection was inspired entirely by Sofia's personal style.
Acting as their official muse, the colors of red, blue, white, and black reign supreme, where the shapes are swingy and effervescent, but with a touch of prep and simplicity, as Coppola’s wardrobe choice usually reflects. Out of the collection comes the fantastic bags, where new designs and shapes are injected into the traditional Louis Vuitton Speedy or the famed LV pattern was applied to satchel-like clutches. The baubles were big and grand, with dangling gold pendants and chunky gold and white bangles. Little heart studs added a youthful touch, contrasting with the bold chain necklaces. The vintage motorcycle helmut covered in matching fabric prints is a top accessory for your scooter or motorcycle; then perhaps to carry around as a prop? :) Re inventing the preppy /casual wear 1950's inspired silhouettes is trending for Resort and Spring/Summer.
Maison Margiela always the top of my list for collectable RTW that never seems to look out of trend!!
Our lovely Market Editor Ana Dahlman was the model du jour for a fun press day to not miss. Here are my favorite samples for excellent transition looks that will work into the summer of 2012.
Sleeveless Tux jacket, top seasonless piece to own.
Excellent oversized clutch for day and night,love the soft studding
The old school boot in a new school fabrication
Wedge/heel? Love the cracked paint look
Trench cape!! Fun over dresses, Jeans, and shorts
Love the shape of this giant Clutch: Make-up bag silhouette but big enough to carry your iPad, laptop , make up etc
Flats to own that are on trend with a subtle edge
Clutches, small party bags for now and some to put on the wish list and order for early Spring 2012. Bag trends I love for the party season that transiton into spring: Ivory, pastels, suede, leather, fringe, multi tones and python. Light tones soften the dark layers we often wear during the chilly months of winter and look great with the brighter tones for Spring.
Here are some of my favorites: Marni, Marc Jacobs,and Khirma Elizov
Market Editor: Ana Dahlman
Photographer: Gisel Florez
Marni White leather bag with brass details (on left)
$545 available at Marni Boutiques
Marc Jacobs Magda “Daria” bag in Blue Lizard/Leather (in middle)
$3,995 Available at MJ Mercer Store 212-965-5576
Available end of March 2012
Kirma Eliazov Jolie Clutch in Seafoam Python with Brown Stingray and Natural Phython detailing
$685 available at: www.khirmaeliazov.com
Available February 1st 2012
Kirma Eliazov “Herzog” clutch in Natural Python and Black Stingray Detailing (on left side)
$ 895 available at: www.khirmaeliazov.com
Direct link: http://khirmaeliazov.com/shop/herzog-clutch/ --> Click Natural.
Also available In-Store Bloomingdale’s 59th Street and Lexington Avenue
1000 Third Avenue New York, NY 10022 212-705-2000
Currently for Sale
Linea Pelle Bo Fringe Sling in Italian Suede (on right side)
Designer Name: Andrew Cotton
$215 available: www.LPCollection.com
Available for purchase March 1, 2012
Madeline Libby
I think Christmas is an ideal time to acknowledge those who inspire us and those who are out there making a difference in their own communities and or in communities that most of us would not dare leave our “perfect lifestyle bubble” to help. A particular child I met earlier this year inspired me to write this post on Christmas Eve : 8 year old Madeline Libby. She lives beyond many her age, with integrity and kindness considering the condition she was born with. Maddie was born with Lesions on her pineal and pituitary glands in her brain. The lesions triggered pre mature puberty when she was 4 years old. Thankfully her parents Frank and Michelle found a treatment: for her 5th birthday she checked received a Suprelin LA implant at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. The implant shut down 90 % of her estrogen production, as a result she is able to enjoy being 8 and achieve goals, dreams most her age have not.
Maddie w/ one of her competing horses: Rerun
Maddie and Rerun
Maddie is in the 3rd grade of Andrews Osborne Academy in Willoughby, Ohio. She has become a reserve champion in the Ohio Professional Horseman’s Association Schooling Series( 2011). Maddie donated one of her semi retired competing ponies to a local school that offers animal therapy for children with various disabilities. On top of keeping up her grades, staying fit and healthy to compete on the level she does, she makes time to be with children who have suffered from disabilities.
Maddie recieving her O.P.H.A. Award
Outside Maddie's busy schedule filled with equestrian training,attending school and helping children with disabilities; Maddie is on the path of becoming a sought after child model.
Represented by:
Generation Model Management NY 1 212 727 7219
PH: Marcy Maloy
PH: Marcy Maloy
PH: Lara Jade
PH: Stephani Pappas
Merry christmas to the the Libby Family!! Thank you for being such an inspiring. loving family that helps not only those in their community but many outside their family/community!!
Sand, sun, tan... here's suggested packing chic, statement peices that fit into a small bag and work for any occasion whilst in an exotic , warm location
I always pack and think in terms of how to intermix looks for day to night with comfortable chic, not be over styled / over stated. Less is more: one hat that works for all , 1 pair of sunglasses, 2-3 pairs of flats, few dresses, etc. A light bag when you depart leaves room for local shopping while traveling :)
Here's my resort hit list of must haves that will work in Brazil/South America, Carribean islands, Asian Isand retreats.
Excellent in flight look: Chloe Resort 2012
Love all of these hats: one will do!! One of the best S/S 12 trends: Unique/ TopShop S/S 12
Perfect day time look that can stay on for late night soirees: Stella McCartney Resort 2012
Swimwear that transforms into another look? yes!!! Louis Vuitton Resort 2012
Important to pack 1 maxi dress: this is my favorite!! Chloe resort 2012
Yachet cruising rather than beachside/poolside? Perfect Yachet day looks!! bringing in some retro 1950's glam is always chic and fun!! Miu Miu Resort 2012
I love 1950's inspired brief shorts and bra tops!! perfect to mix with anything!! Derek Lam Resort 2012
Trench cape adds a fun outerwear layer to any tiny under look, day oor night: Maison Margiela Resort 2012
Important to pack sheer cocktail dress look: Top select: Christopher Kane Resort 2012
We are hitting the peak party/soiree season for the holidays, with 3-5 events a night one must be prepared with the hottest accessories that are timeless and make a t-shirt and jeans look uber chic.
Cuffs and braclets layered is the way to go!! White gold, Yellow gold, Silver, diamonds, mix it all for the ultimate statement. Here are some of Contentmode's suggested statement cuffs/bracelets to layer with everthing day and night :)
Photography by: Gisel Florez
Fashion market Editor: Ana Dahlman
David Yurman (on top of page)
Papyrus Cuff, Sterling Silver/Diamonds, $2950
The Papyrus Cuff is available at Bloomingdales.
David Yurman(middle of page)
Woven Cable Cuff, 18K Gold/Diamonds, $29500
The Woven Cable Cuff is available at Saks.
Stephen Webster (bottom)
Stephen Webster Superstud Cuff in polished sterling silver $1,825
Can be purchased in New York at Saks Fifth Ave 611 5th Avenue, Manhattan
In LA at Stephen Webster 202 North Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills CA 90210 (310) 246-9500
View collections at www.stephenwebster.com
Stephen Webster cuff (bottom left)
Stephen Webster Le Dents De La Mer Shark Jaw Cuff in black rhodium and rose gold plated sterling silver $1,695
Can be purchased in New York at Saks Fifth Ave 611 5th Avenue, Manhattan (212) 753-4000
View collections at www.stephenwebster.com
Cassamenta cuff (center) www.cantamessajewels.com
Platinum and diamond bracelet $199,990.00
David Yurman(top right)
Pave Wide Crossover Cuff, Sterling Silver, Price upon request,
